The streets of Dragon City were bustling with life. The markets were filled with goods, but behind this activity, danger loomed on the horizon.
Zan stopped at a busy street corner and turned to Lian with his usual smile: "Lian, the city is like this market: full of secrets and danger. If you want to survive here, you need to find someone to rely on. We're a group of mercenaries, and we offer you the chance to join us."
Lian hesitated slightly and spoke cautiously, "A group of mercenaries? What do you do?"
Zan (smiling): "We take on tough jobs. We fight dangers, face enemies, and live like one family. In a city like Dragon, it's better to be with a group that knows how to protect itself."
They all sat together in a quiet corner of a small tavern. Zan began to introduce the members of the group in more detail:
Zan: "I'm at the third level of Qi Refinement."
Chin: "I'm at the second level of Qi Refinement."
Fai: "I'm at the first level of Qi Refinement."
Jian: (confidently) "As for me, I'm at the seventh level of Qi Refinement."
Mi: "And I'm at the fifth level of Qi Refinement. Experience is the true power."
Zan spoke kindly, "What about you, Lian? What level are you at?"
Lian (quietly): "I'm at the first level of Qi Refinement."
Zan (smiling): "Great! What's important now isn't your level, but what you'll do to improve it."
The Offer to Join and the Mission
Zan looked at Lian directly: "We're offering you the chance to join us. But there's one condition. You'll need to prove yourself."
Lian (nervously): "How do I do that?"
Zan: "You'll come with us on a mission. We need to intercept a shipment of spiritual grains that's being smuggled to the Demonic Sect. It's not an easy mission, but it's a good test."
Jian (seriously): "But before that, you need to gear up. You can't fight without a weapon."
Lian, feeling embarrassed, said hesitantly, "But... I don't have money to buy a sword."
Mi (the elderly woman) spoke kindly: "Don't worry about money right now, dear. We've all been in similar situations. Anyone who joins our family, we take care of them."
Zan (smiling): "We know you're new to this world. I'll lend you some money to buy a simple sword, but you'll need to pay me back after you finish your first mission and start earning with us."
Chin (with a mocking smile): "Zan's always the kind-hearted one, but remember, Lian, the sword doesn't fight on its own. The important thing is how you use it."
Jian (firmly): "I'll make sure the sword you pick suits your current abilities. You don't need anything fancy, just something practical and durable."
They led Lian to a market stall, where the vendor displayed a variety of swords. Lian chose a simple but sturdy sword, with a sharp edge and a strong grip. Zan paid for the sword, then looked at Lian with a smile: "This is an investment in your future. Don't disappoint me."
Jian spoke firmly: "Prepare well. This mission is not just a test, it's an opportunity to prove that you deserve to be one of us. Remember, we don't leave anyone behind, but we depend on everyone working together as a team."
Lian, holding his new sword, felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. This was his first real step toward facing the new world, and an opportunity to prove himself among people who were starting to feel like a new family to him.